seduce

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce are roughly equivalent. However, tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment.

tempted by the offer of money

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of seduce Artists, celebrities, tastemakers and more tee up a tight schedule of appearances at exclusive premieres, gatherings, clubs and more, seduced by the spotlight and invitations to the hottest events. Meghan Mahar, Billboard, 23 May 2025 Some church members accused Creed of seducing Campbell, whispering insults behind her back at the grocery store. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 12 May 2025 Described as the wild romance of Gen Z’s own Bonnie and Clyde, the untitled FTX series centers on two hyper smart, ambitious young idealists who tried to remake the global financial system in the blink of an eye – and then seduced, coaxed, and teased each other into stealing $36 billion. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 May 2025 Going even further, its materiality, terra-cotta, and its iconography, the corazón, seduce us to discover an even more seductive identity, a cultural and historical foundation, mexicanidad. Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for seduce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce
Verb
  • But Phoenix ultimately wasn’t tempted by a package of Wiggins, Rozier, Jaquez, Highsmith and the 20th pick.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
  • So, the next time you’re tempted to discard your efforts on reworking your resume as a waste of time because employers won’t hire you…think again.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Its inauguration fiesta alone, which featured live music and Lucha Libre, is said to have lured up to 3,500 attendees.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 16 June 2025
  • The nation was in the grip of a devastating deflation, but the ability to acquire land by homesteading or on railroad credit lured continued inward migration and immigration from abroad.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Experiential marketing lets people persuade themselves.
    Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • If Iran acts with restraint, Trump may be persuaded not to join what could become another forever war.
    Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Each tune has its own momentum, with several of them enticing audiences and exciting them for his sophomore album American Heart, which arrives tomorrow (Friday, June 20).
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Netflix may entice its subscribers to chill, but the global streamer is working on new offerings and deals to future-proof its content lineup and business.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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